Gulf Coast Highlights

Featuring Louisiana and Texas

1st Day: Today, we will make our way to Greenville, Alabama. In the afternoon, we will make a special stop at Priester's Pecans, a beloved Southern institution. You'll have time to explore their store, sample delicious pecan treats, and pick up some souvenirs. Priester's is definitely a stop worth talking about, known for its incredible Southern hospitality and delicious pecans. We'll arrive at our hotel in Greenville by late afternoon, putting us closer to New Orleans for tomorrow's adventures.

2nd Day: After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to the Scenic city of New Orleans, Louisiana. We expect to arrive in the early afternoon, where you'll receive your ticket to the Hop-On/Hop-Off City Sightseeing bus so you can explore the city at your leisure. Ride the loop for a great taste of the city - or hop off at any of the 18 stops for a more immersive experience. There is so much to do in New Orleans! Have beignets at Cafe DuMonde, hang out in Jackson Square, take in the mighty Mississippi, or shop until you drop. Tonight, you are free to enjoy the New Orleans nightlife, perhaps venturing to Bourbon Street! (B)

3rd Day: Get ready for a morning with pure imagination as we begin at Mardi Gras World, the world’s largest float-building facility, for an immersive look at the artistry of Carnival. Get up close with colorful Mardi Gras props, jovial jesters, realistic alligators, and even Marilyn Monroe with her skirt flying! You'll view awesome floats like the 140-foot "Leviathan" and the 240-foot "Captain Eddie’s S.S. Endymion." There will be plenty of photo opportunities, including dressing up in authentic carnival costumes. We’ll cap off the day with a savory group dinner at the Fiery Crab followed by an overnight stay in the Beaumont area. (B, D)

4th Day: Before we leave Beaumont, we step back into the era of the Texas Oil Boom with a tour of the McFaddin-Ward House. We'll explore the lives of a family that helped shape the state, from the Texas Revolution to the discovery of oil at Spindletop. This perfectly preserved 1906 mansion serves as a "time capsule," featuring the original furniture and heirlooms of the family that called it home for 75 years. Next, we depart for vibrant San Antonio. We'll have a guided tour of San Antonio, to see the Alamo and downtown sites. The Alamo was established in 1718, and was the site of the famous battle of 1836, where 189 brave men gave their lives for the freedom of Texas. You will also have some time at the famous San Antonio Riverwalk. Stroll along the river and visit shops, restaurants, and boutiques. This evening we will be staying in the downtown area  near the Riverwalk. (B) 

5th Day: We depart for Waco this morning. We will visit the Chip and Joanna Gaines Magnolia Market at the Silos. There is a little something for everyone at the Magnolia Market -  shopping, games, the garden, and even a bite to eat. The Market itself is staged and set up as a place to find inspiration and renewed vision for your home. In the afternoon, we will visit the Fort Worth Stockyards. Discover the living history of cowboys and cattle along the red brick streets of this famous ten-block historic district. It is packed with shops and galleries, restaurants, saloons, and stores specializing in western wear and gear. We will stay overnight in Arlington, TX. (B)

6th Day: This morning, we depart for an exclusive VIP Guided Tour of AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Beyond the field, we’ll explore one of the stadium's most unique features—its collection of museum-quality contemporary art, which beautifully enhances the iconic architecture. From the locker rooms to the high-tech art installations, sports fans and art enthusiasts alike will be dramatically impressed by this "Modern Wonder" of Texas. After our tour, we head northeast toward the Arkansas border. We’ll make a special stop in Texarkana at the famous State Line Post Office, where you can plant one foot in Texas and the other in Arkansas for a truly unique photo opportunity. We then continue on to Little Rock, AR, our home for the night. (B)

7th Day: We depart Little Rock this morning for Nashville, TN, making a stop in Memphis along the way. In Memphis, you can explore the sights and enjoy lunch on your own at one of the fabulous restaurants, soaking in the electric atmosphere of Beale Street, or maybe visit the historic Peabody Hotel for a chance to see the famous ducks and Duck Master. We’ll continue on to Nashville for our final night, where you can relax and enjoy the “Kickback” reception at the hotel. (B)

8th Day: After breakfast, we begin our final leg of the journey back to North Carolina. Relax and enjoy scenic views through the heart of the South as we make our way back home. We’ll arrive at approximately 8:00 PM. (B)

Special Notice: $100.00 deposit per person is required to reserve a seat. Balance is due 30 days before departure. Cancellation within 30 days of departure will result in payment forfeiture.